609,403 students approved but why some NSFAS applicants are still waiting

609,403 students approved but why some NSFAS applicants are still waiting remains a pressing question as the 2026 academic year approaches and universities across South Africa prepare to reopen. Although the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that it finalised all funding decisions by the end of December, thousands of students are still experiencing uncertainty.

This situation affects learners across institutions such as Unisa, the University of Pretoria in Gauteng, Wits University in Johannesburg (Jozi), and several TVET colleges, raising concerns among students, parents, and the Department of Education.

NSFAS confirms record applications for 2026

NSFAS announced that it received a record 893,847 applications from first-time entering students for the 2026 academic year. According to the scheme, all applications were processed by its self-imposed deadline of 31 December, ensuring that funding decisions were completed before the reopening of higher education institutions.

However, despite this milestone, the question persists: 609,403 students approved but why some NSFAS applicants are still waiting for confirmation of their funding status?

Breakdown of NSFAS application outcomes

How many students were approved?

NSFAS revealed that 609,403 first-time applicants qualified for financial aid. This group meets the funding criteria set out by the dept of education, including household income thresholds and academic eligibility.

Why were some applications rejected or delayed?

While many students were approved, the scheme also reported that:

• 49,538 applications were rejected

• 218,043 applications were marked incomplete

• 16,863 applications were withdrawn or cancelled

Incomplete applications remain the main reason why some students are still waiting, even though they may financially qualify for support.

Missing documents causing NSFAS delays

NSFAS explained that applications marked as “incomplete” or “in process” are linked to missing or incorrect documentation. Students affected have already been notified through official channels, including nsfas.org.za and the nsfas login portal.

Commonly outstanding documents include:

• Parental or guardian consent forms

• NSFAS declaration forms that are not correctly completed or signed

These documents are required to verify household income and confirm eligibility. Students are given 30 days from notification to upload the required information. Failure to do so results in the application being deemed unsuccessful.

Proof of registration still required

Another key reason behind the question 609,403 students approved but why some NSFAS applicants are still waiting relates to proof of acceptance.

NSFAS confirmed that some qualifying students must still submit proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised institution. This includes universities such as Unisa, the University of Pretoria, and Wits, where systems like Wits self-service and self-service at Wits are used to confirm student records.

Without this confirmation, NSFAS cannot release funding, even if the student has already been approved in principle.

Call to universities and colleges

Acting NSFAS board chairperson Mugwena Maluleke urged all higher education institutions to urgently submit:

• Students’ 2025 academic results

• Official 2026 admission lists

This data allows NSFAS to validate academic progression and prioritise funding allocations. Delays from institutions can therefore contribute directly to students still waiting for final confirmation.

NSFAS funding for continuing students

Who continues to receive support?

NSFAS also provided clarity for continuing university students. The scheme supported 545,952 previously funded students in 2025. Of these:

• 416,688 students met academic progression requirements and will continue receiving funding

• 129,264 students did not meet the criteria and will not qualify for further NSFAS support

These decisions are based on performance rules set by the department of education and maps for student progression.

TVET college results still pending

NSFAS noted that TVET college results, expected to be released on 13 January, were not yet included in the current funding figures. As a result, many TVET students are still waiting for their outcomes, contributing further to the perception of delays.

NSFAS appeals process explained

Students whose applications were rejected are not without options. NSFAS confirmed that its appeals process for 2026 has been streamlined to improve fairness and accessibility.

Important appeal rules:

• Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of receiving an outcome

• All supporting documents must be included

• Incomplete appeals will not be processed

Students can submit appeals through the official nsfas login portal on nsfas.org.za.

Impact on students across South Africa

From Johannesburg (Jozi) to rural provinces, NSFAS funding plays a critical role in access to higher education. Institutions such as Unisa, Wits, and the University of Pretoria in Gauteng rely heavily on timely NSFAS confirmations to finalise registrations and accommodation.

As a result, the issue of 609,403 students approved but why some NSFAS applicants are still waiting remains a national concern as lectures are set to begin.

What students should do next

NSFAS has urged all applicants to:

• Regularly check their status via nsfas login

• Ensure all documents are correctly uploaded

• Confirm registration details with their institution

• Monitor communication from NSFAS and the dept of education

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Final thoughts

Although NSFAS has finalised funding decisions for the 2026 academic year, delays linked to documentation, institutional submissions, and proof of registration continue to affect thousands of students. Understanding why some NSFAS applicants are still waiting is essential for navigating the system and avoiding missed opportunities.

As universities reopen, students are encouraged to act quickly, follow official guidance, and use verified platforms to secure their funding and continue their academic journeys.